Guan Li 冠礼 & Ji Li 笄礼: The Ancient Chinese Coming-of-Age Ceremonies of the Han People
Before diving into today’s topic, let’s first get familiar with these two terms: Guan Li (冠礼), literally means “Guan ceremony”...
28 August 2025
History & Culture
2025
Mianfu (冕服), One Type of Ceremonial Attire in Ancient China
Mianfu (冕服 ; miǎn fú) is one type of ceremonial attire in ancient China. It was worn during sacrificial ceremonies...
16 August 2025
Twelve Ornaments (十二章纹), Symbols of Clothing Rank during Imperial China
At first glance, they are simply patterns—sun, moon, mountains, dragons—embroidered in gold and silk on imperial robes. But in the...
2 August 2025
The Four Classic Chinese Novels — Discover the 中国四大名著
Introduction and Origin “Four Classic Chinese Novels” The Four Classic Chinese Novels (中国四大名著 ; Zhōngguó Sì Dà Míngzhù) refer to...
3 May 2025
Traditional Chinese Hot Water Bottle: Tang Po Zi 汤婆子
Did you know how ancient Chinese people kept warm? When we think about heating in ancient times, we often picture...
15 March 2025
2024
Why Do People Eat Dumplings During The Winter Solstice? | 冬至为什么要吃饺子？
Why do people eat dumplings during the Winter Solstice? On the Winter Solstice (Dongzhi Festival), dumplings (Jiaozi) are an essential...
7 December 2024
The Four Elegances of the Song Dynasty 宋代四雅: Through Scent, Taste, Touch, and Sight
Wu Zimu 吴自牧 (Song dynasty) recorded in his notes 《梦粱录》(Dreaming of Grain) that “烧香点茶，挂画插花，四般闲事，不宜累家 Burning incense, brewing tea, hanging paintings,...
16 November 2024
Song Dynasty’s Four Elegances | 宋代四大雅事
These four activities were regarded as elegant things in daily life by the literati of the Song dynasty. They appreciated...
9 November 2024
What Is Ruyi? How Did It Come About? | 如意是什么？它是怎么来的？
In ancient China, there was such a thing that made the ancients love it. It looks ordinary, but it has...
2 November 2024
Combs As Hair Accessories In Ancient China
In ancient China, a comb was an item that everyone had to own, especially women who could hardly survive without...
8 October 2024